Longitudinal Metabolic Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Transgenic Mouse Model Involving HBsAg and Aflatoxin B1 Risk Factors Identifies Altered Carnitine Metabolism

Jadegoud Yaligar¹, Wei W. Teoh², Sanjay K. Verma¹, Kanaga Sabapathy², Sendhil S. Velan¹

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, aflatoxin exposure are the major known causes of HCC. Even before tumors are seen, there are crucial metabolic perturbations involving in tumor. In the present study, to assess the independent risk factors of hepatitis B and aflatoxin exposure, we have used three HCC and one control group mice models which closely mimic the human HCC. Carnitine was indentified in liver even before the formation of neoplasm indicating the possibility of potential early marker even before tumors can be seen. Tumor carnitine and choline levels were at higher concentrations in HBsAg+AFB model compared to WT+AFB and HBsAg+Oil HCC model reflecting malignant transformation of tumor. Degree of unsaturation in tumors was lower than normal liver indicating altered lipid composition in tumors